Hello, my name is Soren Whimster, and I recently graduated from the University of Strathclyde with a degree in Product Design Engineering. I was fortunate to spend my internship with SharkNinja, It was the ideal place to push myself as a designer and immerse myself in the fast-moving world of consumer product design.
As a product design engineer, where my responsibilities covered both functional and aesthetic elements of new products. I was tasked with designing components such as touchpoints, mechanisms, and body parts. My daily work involved creating concepts in CAD, validating ideas with my team, and producing prototypes through a range of 3D printing technologies. These prototypes were then tested and iterated in the workshop, giving me hands-on exposure to the entire design cycle. In addition, I conducted rigorous performance testing to ensure that the products met key performance indicators defined by R&D, product development, and the test kitchen.
One of my proudest achievements during my time at SharkNinja was being solely responsible for the design of a handle for one of the products. This project gave me creative ownership to experiment with multiple design iterations, balancing both aesthetics and user functionality. By incorporating feedback from my team and the product development group, I refined the design until it became a central part of the final product. Knowing that my work directly influenced a real product gave me a tremendous sense of accomplishment.
Overall, this experience has made me a much stronger product design engineer. Working in industry sharpened my technical skills, allowing me to work faster and iterate more effectively, while also teaching me to balance key considerations such as cost, user experience, structural integrity, and manufacturability. Just as valuable was the experience of working in a large, multi-disciplinary team for the first time. Collaborating with colleagues from different departments showed me how essential communication, feedback, and teamwork are in driving innovation, a lesson very different from the solo projects I was used to at university.
To any student considering applying to the Saltire Scholars Programme, I would say, give it everything you’ve got. The application may seem daunting, but the rewards are incredible. The experience has not only enriched my CV but also transformed my outlook on my career and my future.
